Another local film is winding down its crowdsourcing campaign. "Tonic" currently has seven days left to raise needed funds through Indiegogo. The film boasts an intricate synopsis and places a few unique elements in its plot. Read on for the synopsis and an interview with writer/director Adriana Li Mandri.
From the Facebook Page:
Jackson Wells is on the hunt to kill Hurricane Summers, drag queen leader of the Destiny Drags, the man that killed his father. With the help of the Trinity Queens, Jackson gets his chance to avenge his father’s death.
Jess Carson: Thank you for taking the time out for this interview. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
Adriana Li Mandri: I’m a senior over at University of Central Arkansas studying Film and Art. I grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
JC: I see you have a few days left on your Indiegogo campaign. What will your film's budget go towards?
ALM: All the donations that we receive will go towards costumes, makeup, props, food for the crew, and a lot of fake blood.
JC: Your Facebook page shows an interesting synopsis. How did you come up with this concept?
ALM: One day at school a lot of my peers and I were sitting in the lobby waiting for our next class to start. I was sitting in the corner thinking about how I had no idea what I was going to pitch for my film final and someone mentioned we should come up with crazy movie ideas. So we started coming up ideas and we ended up on the topic of drag queens. I’m Italian so, of course, the thought of a drag queen mobster popped into my head and it sort of clicked. A light bulb just turned on over my head and I knew what I wanted to pitch. A "Gangs of New York" film with drag queens.
JC: I see that you're shooting at Discovery Nightclub. What are you looking forward to the most about shooting at this location?
ALM: When my Producer (Kelby Jones) and I went to check out the location I instantly fell in love with it. It was exactly what I was looking for. The sounds, lights and layout of the place were just perfect. The people that work at the club are really nice and very helpful. To allow a group of film students to come into your business and film a movie is something that a lot of business owners would not allow and so when I found out that they will allow us to come in and film I was very thankful. My biggest concern was finding a place, and they really helped us out.
JC: Can you discuss some of your crew?
ALM: We have a great group of filmmakers on this project. Kelby Jones, the Producer, is just amazing. This is his second film to produce and I don’t know what I would do without him. He is very professional and knows what he is doing.
Our Director of Photography, Lauren Briggins, is very talented and I’m very excited to see what she does with this film. I trust her completely when it comes to shots and knowing what looks good.
Then there’s Darrell Green, who is our Production Designer. This is his first film to design, so I’m excited to see what he can come up with.
JC: Have you cast anyone yet?
ALM: As of right now we don’t have anyone set in stone, but we do have a few actors that we are looking into. We are going to have one more casting call before we announce anything official, and that should be very soon.
JC: Is there anything else you'd like for us to know?
ALM: We will be needing extras for the film. If you would like to be a part of the film just look us up on Facebook and let us know and we will let you know if we can use your help.
Be sure to "like" the film on Facebook. Stay tuned for more information on "Tonic"
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